Thursday, November 15, 2012

1 Chronicles 5-6 Faith Requires us to Give our Best

1 Chron 5:18-20 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service — able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle. They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

1 Chronicles 5 traces the descendants of the the two and a half tribes that settled on the east of Jordan (present Jordan state), viz., Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh (the other half of Manasseh settled on the west of Jordan, inside Canaan land proper). 1 Chronicles 6 traces the descendants of the tribe of Levi who were primarily responsible for the upkeep of the tabernacle and temple worship.

Concerning the two and half eastern tribes, it was said that they had 44,760 men ready for military service, "able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle." But when they waged war, they cried out to God in the midst of the battle and God "answered their prayers, because they trusted in him."

Note that they trained themselves for warfare thoroughly, even though they trusted God to secure the victory. The lesson for us here is that faith does not mean there is no need to work hard to prepare for the battle ahead. We must do our best preparations for the battle at hand and then trust God to take care of the outcome of the battle. Whether in ministry, work or study, the same principle applies: faith does not mean no need for work. We put in our best work, asking God for wisdom even in our preparations. But, we commit the outcome of the battle to God, believing He will help us succeed.

Father, thank You that You not only give us wisdom in our preparations for our task but You also help us in the execution of that task. Amen.

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About Me

Then Chee Min's current passion is persuading church and marketplace leaders to adopt a missional vision that is transformational, aligning people with God's Kingdom agenda as expressed through the Gospel. He is available to preach, teach and train on missional leadership.